Contents
Course Summary.......................................................................................................................................
Department of
Interdisciplinary Studies
Syllabus
Prerequisites..............................................................................................................................................
Instructional Methods and Strategies.........................................................................................................
Computer Literacy Requirements...............................................................................................................
Learning Objectives....................................................................................................................................
Instructional Materials................................................................................................................................
Required Texts....................................................................................................................................
INT 477T.90
NSU Policies..............................................................................................................................................
University Assessment Statement.......................................................................................................
Dr.
Andrew
T. Arroyo, Associate Professor
Incomplete
Grade
Policy.....................................................................................................................
Proctoring Policy.................................................................................................................................
Course Summary
Course Description
The purpose of the senior thesis is to afford students the opportunity to demonstrate their growing
interdisciplinarity through an action-oriented research project that integrates at least two disciplinary
knowledge bases demonstrating high order cognitive skills, namely analysis, evaluation, and
synthesis. Students work closely with course instructor (thesis supervisor) to design and execute an
interdisciplinary research thesis paper.
Course Rationale
Using measures such as a research proposal, group work, and a final senior thesis, this course
should showcase your very best work as an emerging interdisciplinarian.
Course Delivery Method
This course is delivered in an online format. The primary method of access to this course is the
University Blackboard Learning Management System (LMS) and may be supplemented by other
online resources. This course may also employ conferencing tools such as video conferences or
Web conferences to facilitate communication and interaction with distant and local students.
Prerequisites
INT 308, 322, 375, and 360 are prerequisites for this course.
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Class discussions
Audio-visual presentations
Collaborative learning
Assigned readings
Written assessments
Blackboard (on-line delivery)
A basic knowledge of computers. For example, understanding files and folders to upload or
download course content is absolutely essential. Basic computer literacy classes (CSC-150)
are available on campus as elective courses. Students deficient in the necessary computer
skills should consider taking such classes.
An understanding of the Web and its resources, such as the library and online research tools
accessed through a Web browser.
Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications, such as Word and PowerPoint; this is
absolutely essential for your academic success.
Familiarity with NSU's e-mail system to guarantee effective communications with both
instructors and classmates. All NSU students have been assigned an e-mail account and are
expected to access it regularly via the Web.
Instructional Materials
Required Texts
APA Manual, 6th Edition
Departmental Policies
Microsoft Word
ALL Interdisciplinary Studies papers are to be submitted as Microsoft Word documents (.doc),
unless otherwise noted by the professor. If students submit papers using other writing programs (i.e.,
WordPerfect, Microsoft works, MAC programs, etc.), they may lose points and/or not have their paper
accepted/graded. It is imperative that students follow the guidelines and directions of each professor.
Success Policy
The best policy for success in any course is preparation, organization, and active participation, reading
completion and comprehension, effective time management and constant, consistent communication
with the instructor. Remember, this is YOUR educationbe responsible and accountable.
Attendance Policy
Discussion board participation is expected in each lesson. Missing more than 4 discussion boards
could result in a failing grade for the course. This is not a correspondence class where you move at
your own pace. If you miss a board, please do not ask to go back and make it up.
Weather Policy:
In case of inclement weather, students should listen to major radio and television stations; visit the
NSU website at www.nsu.edu; and/or call the University operator at 757-823-8600. Additionally,
students should sign up for University text alerts. If the University cancels classes, students should
check their NSU email and the Blackboard course site for additional course information. As an online
course, we still meet regardless of weather.
Assignments
Lesson Quizzes. You will take a graded quiz at the end of each lesson. These quizzes will be
objective, usually true/false or multiple choice. The quiz material will be taken primarily from the
textbook readings. They are open book, timed, questions appear one at a time, and there is no
backtracking after you answer a question.
Discussion/Participation. You will receive one overall discussion/participation grade at the end of the
semester. This will be an evaluation of your overall consistency in the discussion boards, as well as
the extent to which you followed the specific guidelines in the posting instructions rubric.
Integrative Essay. This will be a 500 word essay due at the end of the course. It will integrate material
from two different lessons to address a topic of your choosing from outside the course. More details
will be given later in the semester.
Grade Scale
97-100 = A+
94-96 = A
90-93 = A87-89 = B+
83-86 = B
80-82 = B77-79 = C+
73-76 = C
70-72 = C- (Please note that this is failing for INT majors.)
67-69 = D+
63-66 = D
60-62 = D59 - below = F
Calendar of Assignments
- Proposals by Sept 13
- Draft to peer due by Nov 11
- Peer reviews due back by Nov 14
- Final thesis due by Nov 18
Course Outline (Please note the course calendar/outline can change at the
discretion of the professor and/or depending on the progress of the class. It is the
students responsibility to stay abreast of all changes, amendments, deletions, and
additions and to respond accordingly. The professor will notify students of any such
changes.)
Lesson/Period
Lessons 1 & 2
Course Description
Choose topic and form team
Lesson 6
(Nov 14-18)
Lesson 7
(by Dec 2)
Blackboard Instructions
All navigational buttons provide you with information on how to work the system and allow you to
proceed with the rest of the course. It is important that you familiarize yourself with all the
navigational buttons and controls of the Blackboard system.
Communication
Blackboard Announcements Area
The Blackboard announcements area is specifically designed for communicating with students in
this course. Whenever there are special instructions to all students in this class, such as a class
cancellation, a change in schedule or assignments, etc. a message will be sent via the
announcement page. Please note that the announcements area is a messaging system that
relates only to the members of this class. Announcements for other courses will be contained in
the respective courses announcements area.
You can access your announcements by selecting the announcements button, located on the
main page menu. You are required to check the announcements page daily for any new
information. Any message that you need to send to your instructor in this class is best sent via
Blackboard email.
Email Policy
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NSU email is the only email system to be used for this course; private email addresses cannot be
used. Always title your messages; be sure the subject line reflects the topic of discussion. Email
messages should always be courteous and follow etiquette protocols. You should be respectful to
those who are receiving your email; never send SPAM to other classmates. Remember that these
documents are never deleted from the system and nothing is ever private. Also, always check your
spelling before sending a message.
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